Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women. In recognition of National Lung Cancer Awareness Month this November, Piedmont Fayette Hospital (PFH) is urging smokers and others deemed at-risk for developing lung cancer to get the facts about the deadly disease.

“More people die of lung cancer than colon, breast, and prostate cancer combined,” said Anita Russell, BS, RRT, clinical manager at Piedmont Fayette Hospital. “Since most people with early lung cancer do not have any symptoms, it is important to lower your risk by eating lots of fruits and vegetables, not smoking and avoiding the smoke of others.”

More than 11 million Americans have a confirmed diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also known as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, and struggle everyday to live with the disease’s affects. Close to 24 million U.S. adults have evidence of impaired lung function, indicating an under diagnosis of the disease. It is the one of the fastest growing diseases in the United States and the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. The disease is primarily caused by smoking, but also by exposure to occupational dusts and chemicals and by genetic conditions.

Throughout the year, PFH offers smoking cessation classes to help smokers quit their addiction. Led by aPiedmont Fayette Hospital respiratory staff member, who is an American Lung Association trained facilitator, the class promises to be both informative and enlightening.

“Smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer causing more than eight out of ten cases of the disease,” said Shana Keaton, BS, RRT, NPS smoking cessation facilitator at Piedmont Fayette Hospital. “By offering smoking cessation classes at the hospital, we are giving smokers the opportunity to greatly lower their risk of getting lung cancer.”

Smoking cessation classes will be held weekly beginning January 22, 2007 at 7 p.m. For more information on the class, call 770-719-6258 or to register, call 1-866-900-4321.

PFH offers a COPD support group that provides education on respiratory medications, cause and effects of COPD and proper exercise and nutrition to individuals with breathing difficulties. For more information, contact Piedmont Fayette Hospital Cardiopulmonary at 770-719-6946 or email questions topulmonarysupportpfh@piedmont.org.

PFH also offers a lung screening test that may detect cancer in its early stages when the disease is most treatable. The cost of the CT lung cancer screening is $300. Unfortunately, many insurance plans will not pay for the test. Patients must be referred by a physician.
For more information on Piedmont Fayette Hospital or smoking cessation, visit www.fayettehospital.org.

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